State of Affairs for RC Boat Racing

Intlwaters

Help Support Intlwaters:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Hi Mike,

You should have stopped by to see me at the Rollomatic booth in the north building.

And you are correct the economy is cranking right now, the amount of leads we are getting will surpass any previous IMTS by far.
 
I think that in time the new generation will get bored with the virtual world and get a craving to actually DO something...like go race something "REAL".

And to them the "real" something is going to be an R/C vehicle!

I get hope for them when I see the number of views on youtube vids that pertain to building, machining and engineering mechanical gadgets.

KEEP the FAITH.

8 million views.

 
I understand that, Mike. I'm just saying that it's extremely difficult to compete against an addiction that is mobile, easy access and legal, at least in most states
.. ya mean like food.....
To an extent, you could almost compare media addiction to eating food. I do draw the line in that you need to eat to live but you can live without smart phones and the internet.

It's too bad that most states don't have the same law as New York does. The law reads something like this:

If you get caught using a phone while driving the penalty is:

1st offense is a $50 to $200 ticket and 5 points against the driving record

2nd offense within 18 months is a $50 to $250 ticket and 5 points against the driving record

3rd offense within 18 months is a $50 to $450 ticket and 5 points against the driving record

All offenses have a surcharge of up to $93

And here, it gets more interesting:

What is the Driver Violation Point System and how does it work?The Driver Violation Point System gives the New York State DMV a way to identify and take action against high risk drivers. The DMV assigns points for certain traffic violations. If you get 11 points in an 18-month period, your driver license may be suspended.

Penalties for probationary and junior drivers with a Class DJ or MJ driver license or learner permitEffective November 1, 2014, the first conviction of a cell phone use or texting violation will result in a suspension of the driver license or permit for 120 days.

A second conviction within six months of the restoration of the license or permit (after the 120 day suspension is terminated) will result in

  • a revocation of at least one year of a probationary license, or
  • a revocation of at least one year for a Class DJ or MJ driver license or learner permit
Driver Responsibility AssessmentIf you receive 6 or more points on your New York State driving record in 18 months, you must pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee.

The amount depends on the type of violation or the total number of points on your driving record.

  • If you are convicted of an alcohol or drugged driving-related offense or if you refuse to take a chemical test, the annual assessment is $250. The minimum amount that you must pay each year is the annual assessment. The total assessment for the three years is $750.
  • If you receive 6 points on your driver record for violations committed during a period of 18 months, the annual assessment is $100. The minimum amount that you must pay each year is the annual assessment. The total assessment for the three years is $300. If you receive more than 6 points on your driver record during a period of 18 months, the annual assessment is $25 for each point in addition to the original six points. The minimum amount that you must pay each year is the annual assessment. The total assessment for the three years is $75 for each point in addition to the original 6 points.
 
It's too bad that most states don't have the same law as New York does. The law reads something like this:If you get caught using a phone while driving the penalty is:

1st offense is a $50 to $200 ticket and 5 points against the driving record

2nd offense within 18 months is a $50 to $250 ticket and 5 points against the driving record

3rd offense within 18 months is a $50 to $450 ticket and 5 points against the driving record

All offenses have a surcharge of up to $93
that's all well and good, but they need to actually enforce it consistently. 'cos they don't, which means people just keep doing it.

I'd actually skip the points and take it further- caught using your phone while driving, $300-500 fine and the police officer confiscates your phone. You only get it back after paying the fine.
 
I know they are enforcing the new Washington State Distracted Driver law. I watched someone two days ago pull out their smart phone while sitting right next to a State Patrol car at a red light. Needless to say, the blue lights came on just as soon as the two cars cleared the intersection
 
Wow! It's been a long time since I've visited and this is the topic at the top of the page. Seems to have been running for a long time now. In NAMBA D9 we see much of all of what was talked about as the cause of the decline of racing. We didn't pay attention to most of that. Instead we kept it basic. We asked ourselves why we come. It came down to friends and family. So then we took a look at why we are not growing. Barrier of entry came into question. Whether it be cost, learning curve, travel.. what have you... So we came up with an attempt at a solution. So with those "TWO" points of focus friends and family and lower the barrier for entry (only two... keeping it small and manageable) we set out to see if addressing those can impact many if not all of the issues.

We began by coming to races with the outlook of making it more of a friendly environment. "Racing Boats" is still a big part as that is what has brought us together but it's not biggest part. Enjoying each other's company while racing has come to the forefront. As a result there's less arguing, less blowouts because of a bad call and more togetherness. The result... Numbers are up YOY. We've seen some new faces as well as some old. I've was even reunited with an old childhood buddy that I used to run around at the races when I was 8, 9, 10 to 12 years old. He's now back at the races with his Dad who is now approaching 80. I haven't seen my old friend in near 40 years. I made sure to let him know he was missed and I never forgot him. I still remind as late as couple of days ago.

We also addressed new blood with RTR boats that we provide. They made it possible for a guy riding his bike by to come in an join in the fun. Also made it possible for the, occasionally attending wife, or girlfriend to join in to. We know how big of an influence they can be on a guys's time don't we? Now they feel included. I see people bringing their kids now and they spend all weekend playing like I used to remember I did when I was a kid. Somewhere along the way we started thinking it was all about boats and forgot that it's not. It's really all about the people that bring the boats. Make the people feel welcome and make sure they have good time and what they race, who it's against, or how many or how often doesn't matter. It's YOU that matters most because that is the reason they come.

Not sure that Chris Wittrig has time to peruse this message board anymore just like I don't but shot out to him. He committed to NAMBA District 9 in a big way with lofty ideas but also the commitment to see them through. He's a busy guy on race days and before and after to keep things moving like they have been. I feel bad because I see all the work he puts in and I can't help more even though I've put in a good amount as well. From his drive however, the rest of the District has followed and reaped the rewards as a result.

If you have an idea... Try it. What can it hurt. As the new Nike commercial says Dream Crazy outside of al the politics around it that is a sound concept. After all... my Dad's very first speed record in RC boating was 23 mph with a 40 hydro in 1967. People would have said we were crazy if somebody said we'd be going well over a hundred some day. So your idea I am sure is not near so far fetched to try. I've got a few ideas of my own.
 
MY 20 years of observation of racing all over the south & south east is the Friendships is what brings people back to your races. IMPBA & NAMBA Politics destroys friendships & all forms of racing... Avoid your great political debates on Who is the Greatest of all time. Enjoy your friendships & Boat racing..... eat some great food.. & build some great Boats.... Pour up the Fuel & Spin the motor till we smell Fuel!!! Its all about the Fun Meter moving to the right for me.....
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Looks greatest but what i8 8hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhjhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhihihiihhhhhihhhhhhhhhhhhhhihhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhihhhhhhhhhhhhhhjhhhhhiiIMG_20180908_101637049.jpeg

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
 
MY 20 years of observation of racing all over the south & south east is the Friendships is what brings people back to your races. IMPBA & NAMBA Politics destroys friendships & all forms of racing... Avoid your great political debates on Who is the Greatest of all time. Enjoy your friendships & Boat racing..... eat some great food.. & build some great Boats.... Pour up the Fuel & Spin the motor till we smell Fuel!!! Its all about the Fun Meter moving to the right for me.....
We need a LIKE button here.
 
It is funny how politics F's every thing up............................................................

I need a new boat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
It is funny how politics F's every thing up............................................................

I need a new boat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David, Get your Nitro Champs entry in. New boat soon!

Three days - 165 Nitro boats and counting. Nitro is not dead!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
MY 20 years of observation of racing all over the south & south east is the Friendships is what brings people back to your races. IMPBA & NAMBA Politics destroys friendships & all forms of racing... Avoid your great political debates on Who is the Greatest of all time. Enjoy your friendships & Boat racing..... eat some great food.. & build some great Boats.... Pour up the Fuel & Spin the motor till we smell Fuel!!! Its all about the Fun Meter moving to the right for me.....
great post joe!!!
 
Back
Top